The narrative is non-linear, with flashbacks, as it does not follow the story in chronological order. It is about a man named Joel searching a ruined city filled with monsters to find chicken soup for his friend Marline. The story begins with Marline as an older adult telling the story of Joel's search. It has a closed narrative that concludes with Joel finding the soup and living happily ever after. The narrative has multiple strands as it follows different characters. It is considered anti-realist due to unrealistic elements like monsters, talking dogs, and a vampire character. The narrative uses manipulation of time and space but does not include other common components like an opening, significant conflict, enigma, or climax.